AEK escape points deduction
In positive news for AEK, there is no danger of a points deduction for the incident witnessed between fans and police on Sunday, while Portuguese midfielder Andre Simoes penned a new deal, planning permission for training pitches was granted, and Nikos Kostenoglou returned.
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Following the completion of the Super League derby against PAOK in Athens on Sunday, around 500 AEK supporters chased police around the periphery of the Olympic Stadium, hurling flares and objects. At the same time, there was an incident inside the OAKA, as a small group of fans launched bottles and a seat at PAOK officials.
Initially, there was danger of AEK receiving a deduction of three points from the Super League table, but that is now not a possibility. On Tuesday, the Super League organisation requested AEK to explain certain behaviours witnessed during the game with PAOK, however there was no mention of Article 15 (4b) which indicates a possible points deduction. On the basis of the stated articles in the announcement, AEK face a fine between 5,000 and 35,000 euros for abusive chants, lasers and the use of pyrotechnics. The hearing will take place on Thursday afternoon.
SIMOES RENEWS
As previously reported on AGONAsport, Portuguese midfielder Andre Simoes decided to stay at AEK, signing a new 3+1 contract with the reigning Greek champions.
Over the weekend, reports emerged suggesting that Simoes had rejected AEK’s latest proposal, however the 29-year-old had a change of heart and made the call to stay in Athens.
In an interview after signing his contract, Simoes shared his emotions: “Yes, maybe I could have found a supposedly better option for the future, but my relationship with AEK is special and it’s not certain that I could have found something better. Manolo Jimenez’s return is important because it will give the fans hope. Do I regret not signing a new contract earlier? It was strange not playing, but we managed to find a solution and I will help the team achieve its goals.”
Simoes joined AEK in July 2015 from Moreirense, and since then, the midfielder has helped the Athenian club win the Greek Cup and the Super League. This season, Simoes has made 17 appearances across all competitions, contributing with one goal in the domestic championship. His value is rated at 3.5 million euros.
MORE TRAINING PITCHES IN SPATA
In recent days, AEK received planning permission to construct two new training pitches at their Spata base, with work set to begin immediately.
Moving forward, Melissanidis is eager to build a hotel for the team, a state of the art rehabilitation centre (which is already partly complete), more pitches and add further enhancements which will continue to raise the level of the training centre.
KOSTENOGLOU RETURNS
In other news, Nikos Kostenoglou made his official return to AEK, becoming the club’s new Academy Technical Director while also taking charge of the under 19 youth team.
AEK confirmed his appointment with this following statement:
“AEK FC announces the appointment of Mr. Nikos Kostenoglou as the Technical Director of the Football Academy.
The new Technical Director undertakes the planning of the training program for the AEK Academy and will temporarily be the head coach of the AEK U19 team.”
In his playing days, Kostenoglou competed in over 300 matches for AEK, before turning his hand to coaching in 2005. In two separate spells, the 48-year-old was the head coach of the senior AEK team, and he most recently managed Doxa Dramas between January and April 2018.
